Shame On Bentsen

December 02, 1989

When Texas Sen. Lloyd Bentsen became the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee last year, he quit the three private clubs in which he held membership. He has since rejoined them. Bentsen explains his actions by saying that he resigned "in deference to the fellow who was at the top of the ticket." He says he rejoined the clubs because he has friends of long standing in them and he enjoys playing tennis there. Besides, he says, none of the clubs has restrictive membership policies.

Oh really? Then it must be mere coincidence that two of the three clubs have no black members.

Bentsen has brought a new wrinkle to the behavior of some public figures who resign club memberships only after pressure is applied. Those are the people who are motivated to clear the way for judgeships or other offices - like the vice presidency. And while it would be far better if these folks stayed away from restrictive clubs simply because they are wrong, at least they have done the right thing, even if it is often for the wrong reasons.

But Bentsen not only was insincere in his resignation, he obviously isn't bothered that membership in exclusive clubs is offensive to many. It clearly is not offensive to him to belong to organizations that exclude blacks simply because they are black.

It's a shame such a shallow man was ever nominated to run for the vice presidency. And the shortcomings of a Michael Dukakis presidency and a Dan Quayle vice presidency aside, we're glad Bentsen lost.